On a crisp morning, Gozay strutted toward school like he owned the day, a grin plastered on his face so wide it could've sold toothpaste. In his hand, a rose twirled dramatically—because what's a grand romantic gesture without a little flair?
He was riding high, practically glowing. But, as all tragic tales go, the universe had other plans.
Just past the school gates stood Akira, his so-called "emotional support" and full-time buzzkill, leaning against the wall like a harbinger of doom.
"Ah, my ugly, irritating, eye-offending friend!" Gozay greeted with a theatrical hug. He pulled back to sniff his rose like a lovesick drama king.
Akira raised an eyebrow, looking Gozay up and down like he'd just shown up in a clown suit. "Well, someone's in an annoyingly good mood. Let me guess—you're finally gonna confess to her, huh?"
Gozay's grin grew smugger. "You bet I am."
Akira turned away, shaking his head with mock pity. "Hate to crush your little rom-com moment, but she's in kill mode. Rejected four guys already—and it's not even homeroom."
The rose in Gozay's hand sagged like his hopes and dreams. "Wait, WHAT?" His voice cracked like an old karaoke mic.
Akira spun back around, slinging an arm over Gozay's shoulder. "Relax, Romeo. Your boy's got you covered. I've got something that'll make you unstoppable."
Gozay frowned, pulling away. "Oh really? What's this miracle cure?"
Akira leaned in with a grin that screamed trouble. "Manifestation, baby. I call it... the love drug."
Gozay blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Do you even know what you're saying? Like, at all?"
Akira waved off the skepticism. "Bro, I know you trust me. And if it doesn't work, I'll be your servant for life. Deal?"
Gozay pinched the bridge of his nose. "You overestimate how much I trust you. Which is none."
"Faith, man. Just meet me on the top floor during lunch. You'll thank me later," Akira said with a wink, walking off like he'd just solved world hunger.
Gozay watched him go, muttering, "If this is some stupid prank, you're going straight off that roof."
A little while later, Gozay and Akira strolled into class, Gozay gripping his rose like it was a live grenade. His eyes immediately locked onto Maya, who, as usual, looked like she was two seconds away from setting him on fire. She shot him a glare so fierce it could've melted titanium. Startled, he fumbled the rose behind his back, trying to act like he wasn't just planning to woo his way into an early grave.
As they shuffled toward their seats, Gozay leaned toward Akira, whispering urgently, "Dude, do you feel that? Her nuclear glare is literally cooking me alive. I'm medium rare already."
Akira, the human embodiment of chaos, decided subtlety was overrated. "What are you even saying?" he blurted out, loud enough for half the class to hear. "She's sweet as sugar! Why are you calling her a nuclear explosion?"
Maya's head whipped toward them like a missile locking onto its target. She glared at Gozay for a soul-crushing second before dramatically turning away, radiating I'll ruin your life energy.
Gozay slapped his forehead so hard it echoed. "Akira," he muttered, "why do you hate me?"
"Relax, bro," Akira whispered back, grinning. "This is all part of the plan—getting her attention. Trust me, it's working!"
Gozay shot him a look that screamed betrayal. Getting her attention? Or signing my death warrant?
With a sigh that could rival a Shakespearean tragedy, Gozay trudged toward his seat, clutching his rose like a condemned man holding his last meal.
The Love Drug
Lunch break found Akira on the rooftop—the school's very own breeding ground for bad ideas. From his vantage point, he could see the sea of students below, blissfully unaware of the chaos he was concocting.
In his hand was a water bottle, battered and suspiciously unlabeled, holding what little water remained of its miserable existence. With the precision of someone who watches way too many crime dramas, Akira unscrewed the cap, retrieved a paper-wrapped packet from his pocket, and poured its contents into the bottle. He shook it vigorously, grinning like a villain unveiling their master plan. "Gozay, my man, I'm about to make you a legend," he muttered to himself.
Or a cautionary tale. Either worked.
As if summoned by the sheer force of impending mischief, Gozay stumbled onto the rooftop.
Akira's face lit up. "Ah, there you are! Let's kick off Operation Propose or Die Trying!"
Gozay stopped dead in his tracks, eyeing him warily. "Level with me—are you messing with me again?"
Akira placed a hand over his chest with mock sincerity. "Not this time, bro. Scout's honor. I've got a plan, and it's foolproof."
"That's what worries me," Gozay muttered. "Alright, what now?"
"Close your eyes," Akira commanded, brimming with confidence.
Gozay raised an eyebrow. "Why? So you can toss me off the roof while I'm not looking?"
"Not today, I promise. Now shut your eyes and trust the process."
With a sigh, Gozay complied. "This had better not end with me on the evening news."
Akira paced around Gozay like a budget motivational speaker at a pyramid scheme convention. "Alright, my dude, visualize. You're not just some guy on a rooftop. You're the guy. The happiest, most confident, drop-dead handsome dude in this school. You're the main character, and everyone else is just background noise."
Gozay frowned, "You expect me to take this seriously?"
"Absolutely," Akira said, deadpan. He grabbed Gozay's hand with an air of ceremony and placed the battered water bottle into it like it was a chalice. "This, my friend, is your miracle. A potion of pure, unadulterated confidence."
Gozay squinted at the bottle. "It's... just tap water."
"Not just any tap water!" Akira gasped, pretending to clutch his pearls. "This is liquid courage straight from the Fountain of Cure, procured through classified dad connections."
Gozay rolled his eyes. "Do I look that gullible?"
"Bro, just drink it." Akira shoved the bottle closer, grinning devilishly. "Worst-case scenario, nothing happens. Best case? You're a legend."
With a sigh of resignation, Gozay took a gulp. He paused, blinking. "Tastes like... municipal failure."
"Shhh!" Akira hissed, grabbing Gozay's shoulders. "Now focus. Feel it. The liquid confidence is surging through your veins. Your head's lighter, your body's relaxed—and boom! You're unstoppable."
Something shifted in Gozay's expression. His pupils dilated, and a grin crept across his face, wide and unhinged. He swayed slightly, blinking at the sky. "Oh... my... god. Akira. I can feel it. My body's humming. My mind's a symphony. And I... I think I love everyone!"
Akira stepped back, stifling laughter. "That's the spirit! Welcome to your new personality."
Gozay stumbled forward, gripping Akira's collar. "Do you feel that? The air is hugging me! The universe loves me, Akira!" He threw his arms wide, teetering dangerously close to the rooftop's edge. "The universe loves us all!"
Akira grabbed his shirt, yanking him back. "Whoa there. Save the hugs for Maya."
"Maya!" Gozay gasped, clutching his chest like he'd just uncovered a divine purpose. "She's my destiny. My moon, my stars—my everything."
Akira smirked. "Exactly. And thanks to this miracle water, you're ready to go claim her."
Gozay turned to him, eyes glistening with emotion. "You're the best, Akira. What would I do without you?"
"Miss me, ofcourse," Akira said, smug. He shoved Gozay toward the stairs. "Now go. Be bold. Be unforgettable. And if she says no... at least you'll be entertaining."
With a triumphant howl, Gozay bolted toward the stairs, his arms flailing.
Akira leaned over the railing, grinning. "I'll be here, buddy. Writing your love story—or your eulogy."
A little later Gozay, sweating but radiating manic energy, burst into his classroom like a man possessed. His grin stretched impossibly wide, eyes sparkling with a euphoric intensity that made everyone within a five-foot radius uneasy.
"Maya?!" he called aloud, scanning the room with wild determination. His gaze landed on Rina, who looked up from her notebook, startled.
"Hey, Gozay! Can you—"
"No time! You're amazing, though! Absolutely incredible!" Gozay interrupted, his words tumbling out at warp speed. "Stay awesome! Love y—I mean, see you later! Bye!" And with that, he sprinted out, leaving Rina frozen and confused mid-sentence.
Next, Gozay barreled into the cafeteria like an untrained missile. He skidded to a halt in front of the food line, frantically searching the crowd. "Maya! Maya?!" he called, his voice louder than necessary. Heads turned, but none of them were hers. He clutched his rose tighter, its petals already wilting from his sweaty grip. "Okay, okay. She's gotta be in the student council office," he muttered to himself, nodding like a man trying to convince the universe.
Fueled by desperation (and whatever Akira had slipped him), Gozay dashed through the school, leaving a trail of startled students in his wake. Finally, he crashed through the door of the student council office without so much as a knock. "MAY—oh."
No Maya. Just Wenda, who leaned back in her chair with a smirk, watching him like a cat about to toy with a mouse.
"Well, well," she purred, raising an eyebrow. "Carrying a rose? How romantic. Let me guess—it's for me?"
Gozay blinked, his drug-addled brain kicking into overdrive. "Oh, absolutely!" he blurted, then immediately waved his hands. "Wait, no! I mean, you're great, and... And sweet, and everything, but this isn't—well, someday I'll buy you a rose! Yeah! Because you're awesome!" He backed up so fast he nearly tripped over the doorframe, cheeks flushed.
Wenda tilted her head, her grin turning wicked. "Careful, lover boy. You'll hurt yourself."
But Gozay was already halfway down the hall, a chaotic blur of nervous energy and flailing limbs, muttering to himself, "She's somewhere. She has to be somewhere!"
He left behind an air of bafflement and unanswered questions, Wenda's laughter echoing faintly in the distance.
Then he, drenched in sweat and glowing with unbridled confidence, spotted Maya and her group across the school grounds. His grin spread wide, bordering on manic, as he raised a hand to wave. "Heeeyyyy, Slap Angel!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chatter like a declaration of war.
The girls turned, startled. Maya arched an eyebrow. "Slap… Angel?"
"Yeah, it's you!" Gozay jogged toward them, slightly unsteady on his feet.
Maya groaned, folding her arms. "What do you want, Gozay?"
"I'm here to change your life," he declared, sweat dripping off his brow. "Just one minute of your time, Maya, and you'll thank me forever."
Esha smirked, stepping in front of Maya. "Why don't you start by explaining why you're soaked?"
"Running!" Gozay exclaimed, throwing his arms wide as if he'd just completed a marathon. "Running for love, running for destiny, running for… Maya!" He locked eyes with her, his pupils slightly dilated. "Can I talk to you? Just a sec?"
Maya sighed. "No."
"Please?" He clasped his hands together. "It's about fate! About the stars! About the 8 billion people who don't matter because they're not you!"
Esha crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "She said no."
Gozay turned to Esha, his grin softening into a dazzling smile. "Esha, you're amazing. The kind of person who probably rescues kittens and bakes cookies for sad people. But right now, I need to speak to Maya."
Esha blinked, momentarily stunned, her cheeks betraying the faintest blush. She stepped aside, much to her own confusion and everyone else's.
Gozay beamed at the rest of the group. "You're all adorable. Seriously. But this is important. Maya, just a moment?"
Maya sighed deeply. "Say it here, or don't say it at all."
"Fine, fine," Gozay said, running a hand through his damp hair. "Maya, there are 8 billion people in the world—"
Maya rolled her eyes. "Oh really? Thanks for telling us."
"No, wait, listen! out of those billions, only ten—no, maybe five—will love you for who you are. Truly, madly, deeply. And guess what?" He pulled the crushed rose from his pocket, holding it out like an offering. "I'm one of them."
The girls gasped. Maya's cheeks tinged pink as she stared at the flower, then at him. After a long pause, she plucked the rose… and handed it to Esha.
She turned back to Gozay, her expression unreadable. "Don't bring me flowers again. Out of those 8 billion people, someone will love you back. Just not me. But hey, your acting's top-notch—you'll charm someone someday."
Gozay's smile didn't falter. "It's not acting. And I don't think anyone else deserves to hear this but you." He bowed slightly. "Thanks for letting me say it. I don't expect anything in return. Love isn't a trade."
Maya arched an eyebrow. "Good. Because you're not getting anything."
He smiled. "Deal. See you all later!"
And with that, he sauntered off, leaving behind a dumbfounded group, Maya glaring, and Esha cradling the rose as if it had been handed to her by a lunatic—which, technically, it had.
Moments Later
Gozay slumped over the rooftop railing, his dramatic pout perfectly matching the sweaty, heartbroken aesthetic he was now rocking. He stared out at the horizon like a guy who just realized he sent a text to the wrong group chat.
"I'm fine," he muttered, voice heavy with false bravado. "I take rejection like a champ."
Akira, beside him, looked as guilty as a kid caught sneaking cookies. "Yeah, bro. Totally. You're, uh… nailing it."
Gozay let out a theatrical groan. "I wanna cry…" He straightened up suddenly, puffing his chest like an over-the-top action hero. "But I WON'T! I'm a MAN!"
Akira gave him the side-eye. "Big man energy right there. Very macho."
Gozay buried his face in his arms. "Why does everything feel… sideways? Is rejection a form of gravity? Is the earth tilting under me?!"
Akira chuckled, tilting his head. "Nope. That's just the drug kicking in."
Gozay's head shot up, his face a mix of confusion and mild betrayal. "WHAT DRUG?! Did you drug me?!"
Akira held up his hands. "Whoa, chill! It's not, like, real drugs. Just… something to help, y'know?"
Gozay squinted at him, wobbling slightly. "So, what? I'm high on some bootleg heartbreak juice?!"
Akira avoided his gaze. "Nooo... I mean… I thought it'd make you fun!"
Gozay leaned back over the railing, staring at the school grounds. "I'm too tired to beat you up. Feel like I could just… sleep right here." He yawned loudly. "And for the record, I'm not giving up on her. Never, ever."
Akira joined him at the railing, nodding sagely. "Cool, cool. By the way, what do you think about Esha? She's cute, right? Maybe I'll be her friend first, and then, together, we'll wingman you and Maya. Genius plan, huh?"
He turned to Gozay for approval but froze when he noticed Gozay's eyes were closed. "Are you standing and sleeping? That's not a talent we need right now!" Akira shook him lightly. "Wake up, man! This isn't nap time!"
Gozay blinked, straightened up like nothing had happened, and walked off silently. Akira scrambled to follow, muttering, "Yeah, cool. No thanks for the brilliant plan. You're welcome!"
---
12-March-2023
Hey, Diary,
It's 2 AM, and guess who's awake again? Yeah, me. Blame the 5 PM nap, and that so called "Love Drug". Anyway, let's talk rejection.
Maya turned me down. Ouch, right? Sure, I played it cool, acted like a champ. Key word: acted. It stings, though. Rejection has a way of opening Pandora's box of self-doubt: Is she into someone else? Am I not good enough? Do I give off loser energy?
But here's the kicker—she said I was acting. And that's why I've made up my mind: I'm not giving up. Nope. I'm going to keep expressing my feelings until she believes me. Yeah, I know, it sounds desperate, but hear me out.
Do I expect something in return? No. Do I want something in return? Hell yes. Who wouldn't want their love reciprocated? But at the end of the day, if she's happy, then I'm good. And I'm betting my confessions, cheesy as they are, at least make her smile—even if she doesn't feel the same.
So yeah, I'll keep going. Call me stubborn, call me crazy, but I think love deserves persistence.
Catch you later, champ.
---
And Gozay didn't stop. Day after day, he expressed his feelings to Maya—at every possible moment: in class, during lunch breaks, in the morning, and afternoon. And day after day, he was met with rejection. Maya led the way while Gozay followed like a dog, barking his feelings out loud, no matter how many times she shot him down.
He didn't grow tired of it, though. And Maya didn't grow tired of rejecting him. Her anger, her sharp words—he took it all, with a grin. He was used to it by now.
---
18-March-2023
Hey Diary,
You probably already know what I'm about to say. Yep, got rejected again. I'm numb to it by now.
---
27-March-2023
Hey Diary,
You know the drill... Got rejected.
---
5-April-2023
Hey Diary,
I'm sure you're well aware of why I'm here. Got rejected.
---
13-April-2023
Diary,
Yeah... got rejected again.
---
25-April-2023
Diary,
Same story. Got rejected.
---
3-May-2023
Diary,
Rejected.
---
10-May-2023
Hey Diary,
It's been two months, and still, I'm getting rejected every single day. I can't even understand why I keep doing this to myself. If I say it doesn't hurt, I'm lying. It always hurts. Every time she gets angry just from seeing me, I tell myself I'm used to it, but I'm not sure I believe that anymore. It's exhausting, and I feel like I'm losing myself.
My self-respect is in the gutter now. I see Akira and Esha getting closer, and part of me knows they'll be more than just friends soon, which makes me feel even more unlucky. Why can't I catch a break?
Am I really that stupid? To think she doesn't even want to be friends with me? I overheard some girls today calling me her "pet dog," saying she doesn't even see me as that. It's like everyone can see it, but me. My dignity is just a joke to everyone now.
But if I stop, if I give up, I'm afraid I'll lose her for sure. And I can't do that. No matter how angry she gets, no matter how much she pushes me away, maybe, just maybe, deep down she's happy. I want to believe that. I need to believe that.
Catch you later.
---
At School
Gozay strolled through the school gates in his summer uniform, the morning heat already getting to him. Akira, trailing behind like he had all the time in the world, shot him a dramatic glare.
"Ugh, summer," Akira grumbled, tugging at his collar as though he could escape the sun's wrath. "I swear, it's like the sun's got a personal vendetta against me. Why can't we just skip to fall? I'd rather freeze than feel like a walking puddle."
Gozay raised an eyebrow, grinning. "It's barely morning, man. What are you gonna do when it's noon?"
Akira sighed, squinting at the sun. "Easy. Find some shade, sip something cold, and turn into a human puddle. Living the dream, really."
Gozay gave him a sly look. "Speaking of living dreams, when are you finally proposing to Esha? Or are you too busy turning into a puddle to think about it?"
Akira groaned dramatically, flinging his hands in the air. "Bro, after watching you faceplant a thousand times? Nah, I'd rather die with my feelings intact. Plus, she's Maya's BFF. That's like asking for double death."
"Good call," Gozay nodded. "Don't even try unless you're a thousand percent sure she likes you back. Learn from my suffering. And hey, if you do decide, let me know first."
Akira grinned, snapping a salute. "Yes, sir! But honestly, Gozay... I kinda feel bad for you. I mean, even I'd date you if you asked me that much."
Gozay froze mid-step, glaring at him. "Wait a second. Are you GAY?!"
Akira's eyes widened. "What? Dude, no! I'm straight as an arrow! Why would you even think that?"
"Why would you say what you just said?" Gozay shot back, crossing his arms.
Akira groaned, slapping his forehead. "I meant Maya must have some reason for rejecting you. Like, come on, any girl would've caved by now."
Gozay's smirk slipped. His shoulders sagged as he stuffed his hands into his pockets and trudged forward in silence. Akira blinked, hurrying to catch up.
"Wait—what did I say? You know I didn't mean it like that, right?" Akira called out, grinning nervously. "Gozay? Hey, come on, buddy!"
---
As the last period before lunch break dragged to its end, Mr. Zikiya stood at the front of the class, a neat stack of test papers in hand, like some ancient gatekeeper about to distribute fates.
After distributing the test sheets, Mr. Zikiya crossed arms, "Alright, listen up," he began, scanning the room. "Some of you did well. Some of you were... average. And some of you—let's just say math might not be your destiny." His gaze lingered on a few students. "The topper, Maya, got a B+. Given the surprise nature of this test, I'll consider your overall performance acceptable. But remember—always be ready for anything."
With perfect timing, the lunch bell blared. "Alright, you're dismissed. See you tomorrow."
Gozay flipped his paper over, the bold red B- staring back at him. He blinked. Wait, if B+ is the best, this means... I actually did... decent?
His eyes wandered to Maya, the "topper." She sat frozen, her paper clutched in a tight grip. Her head was bowed, her glare locked on that B+ like it had committed some unforgivable crime.
How did I fall to a B+? she thought, her knuckles whitening.
Gozay smirked to himself. This is why she's top of the class, he thought, watching her silently rage at her "failure."
In a minute, the classroom was almost empty—just Gozay, Akira, Rina, Esha, and Maya left. Maya, her test paper scrunched tight in her hand, the edges a mess.
Gozay got up, grinning. "Hey, Maya. You crushed it in the test."
Without looking at him, she snapped, "Can't you just shut up?"
His grin didn't falter. "What? I'm being honest. You did great."
That did it. She slammed the paper on her desk, her eyes fiery as she stood up. "Did I ask for your opinion? You're just rubbing it in because my grades sucked, huh?"
His smile faded a bit, but his voice stayed soft. "You were the top scorer. Why would I tease the girl I lo—"
"Don't." She cut him off, glaring harder. She turned on her heel, making for the door, but Gozay stepped in her way. "Maya, what's wrong?"
Her eyes bore into his. "Move. NOW!!"
Everyone else just watched, frozen in their seats. Gozay didn't budge, though his tone softened even more. "Look, I'm sorry please don't mind. I just wanted to say you did amazing."
She jabbed her finger into his chest, her words like daggers. "You wanna know what I mind? I mind you. Your stupid flirting, your annoying voice, the way you follow me everywhere like some lost puppy. You. I mind everything about you. You think saying sorry fixes that?"
Her words hit hard, but Gozay stood his ground, guilt etched on his face. "I'm sorry. For everything. But I love you. That's all there is to it. I care about you."
"Love me?" she scoffed, voice shaking with fury. "Fine. Prove it. Do whatever I say."
"Anything," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "If it makes you happy."
"Then stay the hell out of my life. Stop following me. Stop talking to me. Don't even look at me. Got it?"
He stood there, his heart visibly breaking. "But, Maya—"
"What?" she barked, cutting him off again.
He sighed, his head dropping. "Fine. If that's what you want. I'll try to leave you alone. I'm sorry."
And with that, he turned and walked, his shoulders slumped. Akira moved to follow him, but Gozay stopped him with a hollow voice. "Don't. Just… stay here." Then he stepped outside, leaning against the wall, his head low, trying to hold himself together.
Esha shook her head, glancing at Maya. "Maya, that was way too much. He actually cares about you."
Maya scowled. "Oh, spare me. Boys only 'care' about one thing—a girl's body. My grades dropped because of him. He's been following me around, bothering me nonstop. I can't even focus at home."
Outside, Gozay heard every word. He sighed and walked away.
Akira stood up, glaring at Maya. "You're heartless. Do you even feel anything?" Then he stormed out after Gozay.
Esha sighed, still facing Maya. "He's been annoying you for months, but your grades only dropped now? You still topped the class. Everyone struggled with that test—it was hard, even the teacher said so."
Her voice softened a little. "I just hope Gozay doesn't listen to you. And if he does… I hope you don't regret this later."
Maya stayed silent, not meeting her eyes, and left without another word. Rina sat back, shaking her head like she couldn't believe what had just happened.
---
Later, Gozay walked into the vice principal's office, barely pausing before knocking. Kaya Ethra glanced up, her sharp blue eyes catching his. Young, blonde, and intimidatingly put-together, she folded her arms.
"You're Gozay, right?" she asked, giving him a quick once-over.
"Yeah… uh, yes, ma'am," he said.
She leaned back in her chair. "Alright, what brings you here?"
"I… I want to change my section," he mumbled.
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why? Problems in class?"
"No, not exactly…" he trailed off, avoiding her gaze.
Kaya tapped her pen, her tone curious. "Hmm. You know, you can't just switch. All sections are full—limited seats."
"Please, Ms. Kaya." He sighed, his voice dropping. "I really don't want to leave the school."
Her lips curved into a smirk. "Wait… this about a girl? Trying to switch to a specific section?"
"What? No! It's not like that!"
She chuckled softly. "Teenagers," she muttered to herself. Then, louder, "Alright. If someone's willing to swap, I'll see what I can do. What section do you want to switch to?"
Gozay felt a wave of relief. "Any section will do. Thanks, Ms. Kaya. I really appreciate it."
"Don't thank me yet," she said with a grin, waving him off.
In the Last Class
The final bell was a heartbeat away, but Maya's attention wasn't on the teacher. Her eyes kept darting to Gozay's empty seat. He'd vanished after lunch. Akira wasn't any calmer, furiously typing: "Bro, I didn't reject you. Stop ghosting me. Where are you? Why aren't you here?"
---
On the Rooftop
Gozay sat on a bench, looking like he belonged in a sad indie movie. His bag lay forgotten as he stared at the sky, his thoughts as blank as his expression. When his phone buzzed, he sighed, reading Akira's flood of messages.
"Relax, man. My phone was on silent. I'm on the rooftop. Come up after class. Don't tell anyone."
---
Moments Later
The rooftop door slammed open, and Akira stormed in like an angry parent. "Dude, what the actual hell? Why'd you bail?"
Gozay didn't look up. "I switched sections," he said, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Akira froze. "You WHAT? Are you kidding me? Why?!"
Gozay chuckled weakly. "Chill, Sherlock. I just… don't wanna deal with her anymore. It's not because I'm hurt or anything. I just… I don't wanna bother her."
Akira grabbed his collar. "Congratulations! You're officially the biggest idiot in school." He let go, plopping beside him with a dramatic sigh.
"Not gonna argue with you there," Gozay muttered. "All sections were full, but I found one spot. Some guy's been absent for days. If he comes back, I'm stuck returning."
Akira shook his head. "Maya really messed you up, huh?"
"Nah," Gozay whispered. "She was right. I was annoying, following her around like some clueless puppy. She deserves space." He turned away, voice cracking. "Let's drop it. I need your help."
"With what?"
"I need you to tell me where Maya is, every day. That way, I can avoid her."
Akira stared at him. "You're actually serious?"
"Dead serious."
Akira leaned back, smirking. "Sure. But I'm charging for this service."
"Really? Extortion? To your broken-hearted best friend?"
"Yup," Akira said smugly. "No payment? Fine. But don't cry when Maya 'accidentally' shows up wherever you are."
Gozay shot him a tired glare. "Unbelievable. Fine. Do your job first, and I'll treat you later."
"FIRST TREAT MEEEEE!" Akira shouted, throwing his arms up like a soap opera diva.
"No way," Gozay said as he stood, dusting himself off. "You're the least trustworthy person I know. And for the record, I'm falling apart here. Maybe stop squeezing snacks out of me and just help, huh?"
Akira blinked, his grin fading as guilt settled in. He jogged after Gozay. "Hey, man, wait! I was just messing with you! Gozay, come on…"
But Gozay kept walking, his head low, his shadow long.
---
A while later, Gozay stepped inside his home. His mom, Ania, a beautiful woman, was in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. She glanced up and smiled. "You're back! Hungry?"
Instead of answering, Gozay walked over and hugged her, burying his face in her shoulder.
She stiffened for a second before softening. "You okay sweetie?"
Pulling back, he forced a weak smile. "Yeah, Mom. Just wanted a hug."
She squinted at him, unconvinced. "I can see the saddness in your eyes. Is it about your dad?"
"Nah," he said, laughing awkwardly. "I'm just tired. I'll eat later."
Before she could say more, he slipped away to his room, locking the door behind him. He flopped into his chair, grabbed his diary and pen, and opened to a blank page. With a sigh, he started writing.
11-May-2023
Hey, Diary.
Man, today was rough. After all those rejections, Maya just tore me apart. It felt like my heart shattered into a thousand pieces. What did I even do wrong? I just tried to cheer her up when she was stressing over her so-called "low grades" which, by the way, are still the best in the class.
I've confessed over and over, and each time, she'd turn me down but never told me to stop. Today, though? She hit me with the "If you love me, don't talk to me, don't even look at me." And that… that broke me. But I still tried to shrug it off, and I left class.
Then, while I was outside, her friend Esha tried speaking up for me, but Maya… she just snapped. She said that boys only care about a girl's body. And that her grades dropped because of me. It stung, but the thing is, I don't care about her body the way she thinks. I mean, yeah, I notice it—it'd be a lie to say I don't—but that's not why I love her. I love her everything: her anger, her smile, her eyes, her everything.
But then, the worst part came. I saw her, standing there with that guy, Kayzin, from Student Council. And they were laughing. Laughing like everything I've been going through didn't even matter. Like all the rejection, the heartache—it was nothing. And the worst part? It hit me. They're probably together, and that's why she's been pushing me away for so long. She joined Student Council for him, not because she cared about it.
So, yeah, I switched my class section. I need to get away from her. I won't look at her, won't talk to her, won't even be near her if I can help it. I'll avoid her, just like she wanted.
Diary: But what if she tries to talk to you?
I won't respond, Diary. I won't even look at her. She'll have to beg me to, but I know that won't happen.
And you know what? I'm going to crush the first term exams. I'll study harder than ever, just to prove I wasn't the reason for her grades dropping. I'll show her that even with all the pain she caused me, I can still top the class.
Anyway, back to something else. Yasaki, the president, asked if I'd join the basketball match against another school next Monday. Apparently, someone mentioned my skills from middle school, and now I'm being invited. Cool, right? The problem? Maya might be there. And I really don't want to deal with her right now. But we'll figure something out.
Catch you later, buddy.
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17-May-2023
Hey, Diary. Long time no see. Six days without spilling my guts here, and guess what? Still alive. Shocking, right?
So, here's the tea: I've been a pro at Operation Avoid Maya. Haven't seen her; she hasn't seen me. Missing her? Sure. Surviving? Absolutely. The secret? Arriving late, skipping breaks, and leaving school when I'm 200% sure she's gone. Shoutout to Akira for being my stealth sidekick—though the guy made sure it wasn't a free service.
Now, about tomorrow's basketball match. Big game. Big deal. Big problem. Maya's going to be there, so I'm benching myself. I convinced Yasaki to let me be a backup player, which is fancy talk for "invisible." Best-case scenario: I stay glued to the audience. Worst-case? I'm thrown into the game, and Maya's laser-sharp gaze pierces through me.
Oh, and guess who got an invite from the Freedom Alliance? Yep, me. They're all "Down with the Unity League!"—Maya's party, by the way—but I passed. Not my vibe, and their speeches? Snoozefest. If I had to join a party, Unity League would be the move. Not because of Maya, but they actually do good stuff.
So, wish me luck, Diary. Here's hoping I stay far, far away from the spotlight tomorrow.
Catch you later, my loyal partner in overthinking.